Europe stocks flat to higher; China data support

MADRID (MarketWatch) — European stock markets traded flat to slightly higher on Thursday, with support coming from much-better-than-expected trade data from China. But investors were on the sidelines ahead of European Central Bank and Bank of England meetings and as U.S. earnings season gets underway. The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.1% to 288.54, with shares of Marks & Spencer Group PLC off over 4% and leading on the downside after the retailer reported a drop in same-store sales. The FTSE 100 index was flat at 6,103.11, while the German DAX 30 index was flat at 7,724.74 and the French CAC 40 index fell 0.1% to 3,711.97.

Europe stocks flat to higher; China data support

MADRID (MarketWatch) — European stock markets traded flat to slightly higher on Thursday, with support coming from much-better-than-expected trade data from China. But investors were on the sidelines ahead of European Central Bank and Bank of England meetings and as U.S. earnings season gets underway. The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.1% to 288.54, with shares of Marks & Spencer Group PLC off over 4% and leading on the downside after the retailer reported a drop in same-store sales. The FTSE 100 index was flat at 6,103.11, while the German DAX 30 index was flat at 7,724.74 and the French CAC 40 index fell 0.1% to 3,711.97.